The BBC’s US partner CBS News reports that at least 30 people have been removed from the collision scene in the Washington, DC, area after a passenger plane and a chopper collided in midair.
Following the incident, the jet landed in the Potomac River with 64 passengers and crew on board.
Among those on board the aircraft were American figure skaters. Some Russians were also on board, according to Russian confirmation.
In cold temperatures, search and rescue crews combed the waterways all night long. While investigators look into the incident, the nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is temporarily shuttered.
What took place?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a PSA Airlines aircraft, flying as American Airlines 5342, struck a US Army helicopter as it approached Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Wednesday at approximately 21:00 local time (02:00 GMT).
According to sources, the helicopter wound up upside down on the water, while the passenger jet split into many pieces and sank several feet into the river.
According to American Airlines, the aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when it took off from Wichita, Kansas.
According to the Pentagon, the Sikorsky H-60 helicopter that was involved took off from Virginia’s Fort Belvoir.
According to Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, DC, there were three US military aboard. According to another authority, it was part of B Company, 12th Aviation Battalion, from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and was on a training flight.
The air traffic control exchange just prior to the crash is allegedly captured in a video posted online by LiveATC.net, which streams air traffic. According to reports, a controller can be heard alerting the chopper to the jet but getting no response. The BBC has not confirmed the audio.
Together with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the FAA said that it would look into the event.
What was the number of participants?
At least 30 dead have been discovered from the area, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the inquiry who spoke to CBS. However, police have refused to corroborate these reports, stating that they are concentrating on their rescue attempt.
“Several members of our skating community were sadly aboard” the flight, according to US Figure Skating. According to the report, this group consisted of family members, coaches, and athletes who were coming home from a development camp in Kansas.
Following reports by local media that ice skating trainers and former world champions Vadim Naumov and Yevgenia Shishkova were on the aircraft, the Kremlin acknowledged that Russian nationals were also on board.
According to Washington DC Fire and Emergency Services Chief John Donnelly, approximately 300 rescuers on rubber boats have been sent out to look for survivors. “Access is difficult, and there are ice fragments on the water and wind.” It’s hazardous and challenging to work in,” he stated.
